Foldable wand for vacuum cleaner

Abstract

To provide a wand for a vacuum cleaner.SOLUTION: A wand for a vacuum cleaner comprises: first and second wand segments defining first and second portions of an air passage; a bendable wand joint comprising first and second hinge members and a hinge that pivotally connects the first and second wand segments about a pivot axis between an extended configuration and a storage configuration; a flexible tube that between the first and second wand segments, defines a flexible air portion of the air passage and bends when the first and second hinge members pivot about the hinge; a first locking mechanism that locks the first and second wand segments in the extended configuration; and a second locking mechanism for locking the first and second wand segments in the storage configuration, the second locking mechanism comprising a plunger to be selectively received within a plunger cavity, where the plunger and the plunger cavity rotate relative to each other about the pivot axis.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates to vacuum cleaning devices and, more particularly, to vacuum cleaning devices having a foldable wand to provide a storage configuration. [Background technology]

[0002] Vacuum cleaner devices are used in homes, offices, and other locations to treat floors and other surfaces. Some vacuum cleaners include a straight, rigid wand between a handle and a surface cleaning head that contacts the surface to be cleaned. Some vacuum cleaners may also include a vacuum unit on the end of the wand opposite the surface cleaning head. The rigidity of the wand often makes it more difficult to use and store the vacuum cleaner, especially when a vacuum unit is attached to the opposite end of the wand. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2018-535703 [Patent Document 2] China Utility Model No. 210300851 Specification [Patent Document 3] JP 2010-82166 A [Patent Document 4] China Patent Application Publication No. 108542308 Summary of the Invention

[0004] Embodiments are illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings in which like reference numbers indicate similar parts and in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0005] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a vacuum cleaning apparatus; [Diagram 2] 2A illustrates a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a wand in an extended configuration. [Diagram 3] 1A and 1B illustrate schematic diagrams of an exemplary embodiment of a wand in a backsaver or intermediate configuration. [Figure 4] 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a wand in a storage configuration; [Diagram 5] 13A-13C illustrate schematic diagrams of an exemplary embodiment of a first locking mechanism in a backsaver or intermediate configuration; [Figure 6] 13A and 13B show schematic views of the first locking mechanism in a backsaver or intermediate configuration; [Figure 7] 13A-13C show schematic views of a further first locking mechanism in a backsaver or intermediate configuration; [Figure 8] 13A and 13B are schematic diagrams showing yet another view of the first locking mechanism in a backsaver or intermediate configuration; [Figure 9] 13A and 13B illustrate schematic diagrams of an illustrated embodiment of a second locking mechanism in an expanded configuration; [Figure 10] 13A illustrates a schematic of the second locking mechanism in a storage configuration; [Figure 11] 1 shows a schematic perspective cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a joint including a support ring; [Figure 12] 12 shows a schematic cross-sectional end view of the joint of FIG. 11 . DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0006] A vacuum cleaning apparatus consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure includes a foldable wand for providing a storage configuration and / or for ease of use. The vacuum cleaning apparatus includes a wand having a first end coupled to a vacuum unit and a second end coupled to a vacuum head or a surface cleaning head. The wand defines an air passageway that allows air to pass from the surface cleaning head to the vacuum unit and includes a flexible air passageway along at least a portion of the wand. The wand also includes multiple segments pivotally connected together such that the wand is foldable approximately 180 degrees in a forward direction until the vacuum unit is positioned proximate to a top of the surface cleaning head, thereby providing a storage configuration.

[0007] 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a vacuum cleaning device 100 that may be used to clean or otherwise treat floor surfaces, such as carpets and / or hard floors. It will be appreciated that the vacuum cleaning devices described herein may be used as processing devices or appliances that process or operate on surfaces to perform one or more functions.

[0008] As shown in FIG. 1 , one embodiment of the vacuum cleaning apparatus 100 includes a handle 101, a vacuum unit 105, a wand 110, a vacuum head or surface cleaning head 115, and a flexible air passageway 120. The vacuum unit 105 may comprise any number of devices suitable for generating suction to pick up dirt, dust, debris, and waste. In one embodiment, the vacuum unit 105 may include a motor 107 (shown diagrammatically) for generating suction through a dust cup 109, and a filter 111 (shown diagrammatically) disposed between the dust cup 109 and the motor 107 for depositing dust material in the dust cup 109. The vacuum unit 105 may be removably detachable from the wand 110 of the vacuum cleaning apparatus 100. In such an embodiment, the vacuum unit 105 may be configured for use as a handheld vacuum when detached.

[0009] In some embodiments, the motor 107 may be electrically powered by connection to an electrical outlet, while in other embodiments, the motor 107 may be powered by a battery. The vacuum unit 105 may be integrally or removably attached to the handle 101. In one embodiment, the motor 107 and / or the filter 111 may include any number of cyclone chambers (not shown), e.g., one, two, three, etc. In one embodiment, the vacuum unit 105 may include any number of dust cups 109, e.g., one, two, three, etc. Consistent with the embodiments discussed below, for example, the vacuum unit 105 may include two dust cups and two cyclones. Of course, the filter 111 may include any filter design known to those of skill in the art.

[0010] The vacuum head 115 provides an interface between the vacuum cleaning apparatus 100 and the area targeted for vacuuming. Different embodiments of the vacuum cleaning apparatus 100 may include different types of vacuum cleaning heads 115. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the vacuum head 115 includes a roller system 125 rotatably coupled to a housing having a suction conduit opening or mouth 130. The rollers (e.g., wheels) 125 facilitate movement of the vacuum cleaning apparatus 100. A variety of different types of roller systems 125 may be used in different embodiments. Other embodiments may employ different means for facilitating movement of the vacuum cleaning apparatus 100.

[0011] The mouth 130 provides an opening through which dust, dirt, or other waste materials may be sucked into the suction conduit of the vacuum cleaning device 100. Different embodiments may employ different types of designs for the structure of the mouth 130. The mouth 130 may be defined in various shapes and sizes and may be divided into two or more openings. One or more agitators 135 may be provided at least partially within the mouth 130. In the illustrated example, the vacuum head 115 includes two agitators 135. One or more of the agitators 135 may be powered (e.g., rotate about a pivot axis) by an agitator rotation system.

[0012] The wand 110 fluidly connects the vacuum cleaning head 115 to the vacuum unit 105 such that suction created by the vacuum unit 105 can be delivered by the wand 110 to the vacuum cleaning head 115. Dirt, debris, and other waste can be picked up by the vacuum cleaning head 115 and sucked through the wand 110. As described herein, the wand 110 includes two or more wand segments joined together at one or more joints that allow a user to bend the wand 110 into two or more different configurations.

[0013] 2-4, one embodiment of a wand 110 consistent with the present disclosure is shown generally in different states / positions / configurations. In particular, Fig. 2 shows the wand 110 in an extended or straight configuration, Fig. 3 shows the wand 110 in a bent or backsaver configuration, and Fig. 4 shows the wand 110 in a stored configuration.

[0014] The wand 110 may include multiple wand segments 140, 150 pivotally connected to one another. The first and second wand segments 140, 150 may be configured to be fluidly coupled to the vacuum unit 105 and vacuum head 115, respectively. In at least one embodiment, the first and second wand segments 140, 150 may be removably coupled to the vacuum unit 105 and vacuum head 115 via one or more release mechanisms 143. The release mechanisms 143 may fluidly and / or mechanically couple the first and second wand segments 140, 150 to the vacuum unit 105 and vacuum head 115, respectively, and may include any release mechanism known to one of skill in the art (e.g., but not limited to, a hook and recess configuration, etc.).

[0015] The wand 110 may include a joint 141 comprising a first hinge member 151 at an end of the first wand segment 140 and a second hinge member 153 at an end of the second wand segment 150. The hinge members 151, 153 are pivotally connected at a hinge 155. It should be understood that one or more of the hinge members 151, 153 may be separate, individual components / elements from the first and second wand segments 140, 150 and / or may be one-piece components / elements integral with the first and second wand segments 140, 150 (e.g., formed from the same components / elements as the first and second wand segments 140, 150). The joint 141 may be configured to allow a user to rotate the first and second wand segments 140, 150 between an extended position (e.g., as shown in FIG. 2), a back-saver configuration (e.g., as shown in FIG. 3), and a storage configuration (e.g., as shown in FIG. 4).

[0016] The flexible hose 120 extends between the hinge members 151, 153 and the wand segments 140, 150. When the hinge members 151, 153 rotate about the hinge 155, the flexible hose 120 bends about the joint 141, as shown in Figures 3 and 4. Thus, the hinge 155 may be disposed between the first segment 140 and the second segment 145, and may be configured to provide the first segment 140 with a range of motion about an axis of rotation about the hinge 155. The hinge 155 allows a user to change the shape of the vacuum cleaning device 100 for storage or other purposes. In some embodiments, the hinge 155 may be configured to limit the range of motion of the first segment 140 to a predetermined angle of displacement (not shown), such as 90 degrees or 180 degrees.

[0017] Some embodiments of the vacuum cleaning apparatus 100 may have more than two segments 140, 150, for example, three, four, five, six, etc. Different embodiments may also include a different number of hinges or joints to provide a range of motion for the segments.

[0018] 2-10, the wand 110 also includes first and second locking mechanisms 200, 202 and a single actuator 204 (the second locking mechanism 202 is best shown in FIGS. 9 and 10). The first locking mechanism 200 is configured to lock (e.g., secure) the first and second wand segments 140, 150 in the extended position (e.g., FIG. 2), while the second locking mechanism 202 (best shown in FIGS. 9 and 10) is configured to lock (e.g., secure) the first and second wand segments 140, 150 in the storage configuration (e.g., FIG. 4). Optionally, the second locking mechanism 202 may be configured to lock (e.g., secure) the first and second wand segments 140, 150 in an intermediate configuration. As used herein, intermediate configuration is intended to refer to a configuration in which the first and second wand segments 140, 150 rotate about joint 141 to an articulation angle between the extended configuration (i.e., an articulation angle of 0) and the storage configuration (e.g., an articulation angle of approximately 180).

[0019] One embodiment of a first locking mechanism 200 is shown in Figures 2-8. In particular, the locking mechanism 200 may include a locking arm, latch, or the like 206 (best seen in Figures 5-8) that may be pivotally coupled to the first hinge member 151 about a pivot point 207 (although it should be understood that the locking arm 206 may be pivotally coupled to the second hinge member 153). The locking arm 206 may include a locking pawl, hook, or the like 208 (best seen in Figures 7 and 8) that latches with a portion of a corresponding locking recess 210 (best seen in Figure 6) formed in the second hinge member 153 to secure the first and second hinge members 151, 153 in a desired position (e.g., the expanded configuration as shown in Figure 2). It should be appreciated that the locking arm 206 may be pivotally connected to the second hinge member 153 and the locking recess 210 may be formed in the first hinge member 151 .

[0020] Optionally, the locking arm 206 may include a biasing device (e.g., but not limited to, a spring or the like, not shown for clarity) that biases the locking arm 206 to a default locking position that may correspond to the position at which the locking arm 206 is secured within the locking recess 210 when in the extended configuration.

[0021] Optionally, a locking arm guard 212 (e.g., as shown generally in Figures 5, 7 and 8) may extend around a distal end of the locking arm 206 and a locking arm sidewall 214 (e.g., as shown generally in Figure 6) may extend around at least a portion of the locking recess 210. The locking arm guard 212 may be configured to be at least partially received within the locking arm sidewall 214 when in the extended configuration. The locking arm guard 212 and the locking arm sidewall 214 may increase the torsional stiffness of the wand 110 when in the extended configuration.

[0022] The single actuator 204 may include a button or tab 216 (see, e.g., FIG. 5). The single actuator 204 may be located on an opposite side of the wand 110 compared to the joint 141. In at least one embodiment, the button 216 extends from the locking arm 206, e.g., opposite the pivot point 207. To move the hinge members 151, 153 (and by extension the first and second wand segments 140, 150) from the extended configuration to the alternative configuration, a user may press (e.g., bias) the button 216 inwardly against the biasing device, which causes the locking arms 206 to pivot about the pivot point 207 and release from the locking recesses 210, thereby allowing the user to move the hinge members 151, 153 and the first and second wand segments 140, 150 from the extended configuration to the alternative configuration.

[0023] 9 and 10, one embodiment of the second locking mechanism 202 is shown. The second locking mechanism 202 may be triggered by the same single actuator 204 as the first locking mechanism 200. In particular, the second locking mechanism 202 may include a rod 300, a sliding lever 302, a plunger 304, and one or more plunger recesses 306. When in the unlocked state (e.g., as shown in FIG. 9), the plunger 304 is not disposed within the plunger recess 306. For example, the plunger 304 may be disposed in the hinge 151 of the wand 110 (e.g., in a recess formed by the first and / or second hinge members 151, 153) when in the unlocked state. In contrast, when in a locked position (e.g., as shown in FIG. 10 ), the plunger 304 is at least partially received within the plunger recess 306, thereby locking (i.e., fixing) the position of the first hinge member 151 (and by extension, the first and second wand segments 140, 150) relative to the second hinge member 153.

[0024] To release the second locking member 202 from the locked state, the user may push (e.g., bias) the button 216 inward against the biasing device, which causes the rod 300 to move in the direction of arrow A (e.g., generally linearly toward the opposite side of the wand 110 compared to the joint 141). The rod 300 may have a generally arcuate shape to allow the rod 300 to extend generally around the fluid passageway of the wand 110. Movement of the rod 300 may be limited by the first and second hinge members 151, 153. The first end region 308 of the rod 300 may engage with the single actuator 204. For example, the first end region 308 of the rod 300 may contact a rear side 310 of the button 216. Thus, movement of the button 216 by the user (e.g., in the direction of arrow B) may cause the rod 300 to move in the direction of arrow A. A second end region 312 of the rod 300 (e.g., generally opposite the first end region 308) may include a cam surface 314 configured to engage (e.g., contact) a corresponding cam surface 316 on a first end region 318 of the sliding lever 302. The cam surfaces 314, 316 may be configured to translate movement of the rod 300 in direction A into movement of the sliding lever 302 in the direction of arrow C. In the illustrated embodiment, direction C may be generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the wand 110 when in the extended configuration, although this is not a limitation of the disclosure unless specifically asserted to be the case. Movement of the sliding rod 302 may be constrained by one or more slots and posts 320.

[0025] The second end region 322 of the sliding lever 302 may include a finger 324 configured to selectively engage (e.g., contact) the plunger 304. The sliding lever 302 may be biased (e.g., by one or more springs or the like 301) in the direction opposite to arrow C. Thus, the sliding lever 302 may be biased generally away from contact with the plunger 304. In at least one embodiment, the sliding lever 302 may be biased generally away from the plunger recess 306. The plunger recess 306 may be formed in the first hinge member 151.

[0026] The plunger 304 may be formed within the second hinge member 153 and may be biased (e.g., by one or more springs or the like 303) generally radially outward from the second hinge member 153. Rotation of the second hinge member 153 relative to the first hinge member 151 about the pivot axis of the joint 141 causes the plunger 304 to also rotate about the pivot axis of the joint 141. A distal end of the plunger 304 may slide within a groove or slot formed in the first hinge member 151. When the distal end of the plunger 304 is aligned with the plunger recess 306, the plunger spring 303 biases the distal end of the plunger 304 into the plunger recess 306, thereby locking (e.g., securing) the first and second hinge members 151, 153 in the storage configuration, as generally shown in FIG. The position of the plunger 304 in the second hinge member 153 and the position of the plunger recess 306 in the first hinge member 151 may be arranged such that they are aligned with one another in the storage configuration.

[0027] To release (e.g., unlock) the second locking mechanism 202, a user can press (e.g., bias) the button 216 inwardly against the biasing device, causing the rod 300 to move in the direction of arrow A, thereby moving the sliding lever 302 in the direction of arrow C, such that the finger contacts the distal end of the plunger 304 and pushes the plunger 304 out of the plunger recess 306 (e.g., generally in the direction of arrow D in FIG. 10 ). Once the plunger 304 is pushed out of the plunger recess 306, the first and second hinge members 151, 153 are unlocked and can move relative to one another.

[0028] Of course, the first hinge member 151 may include additional plunger recesses corresponding to alternative configurations / positions. For example, one alternative configuration / position may correspond to a position between the extended configuration and the storage configuration. Alternatively (or additionally), the alternative configuration / position may correspond to an extended alternative configuration.

[0029] 11 and 12, the joint 141 may optionally include one or more support rings 191. The support rings 191 may be integrated into the joint 141, for example, around the hinge 155. The support rings 191 may increase the strength of the joint 141. In at least one embodiment, the support rings 191 may increase the torsional stiffness of the joint 141 and / or prevent separation of the hinge members 151, 153. The support rings 191 may include a steel ring integrated around the storage locking mechanism. In some embodiments, the support rings 191 may extend at least partially around the hinge 151. As shown, the support rings 191 may include a locking ring and / or a C-shaped configuration with two ends 193 of the support ring 191 configured to be spaced apart while being positioned adjacent to one another. The two ends 193 may be configured such that the support ring 191 does not overlap itself (as shown), or such that the support ring 191 overlaps itself. The support ring 191 may also include an annular ring that does not have ends.

[0030] Although the principles of the present invention are described herein, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that this description is made by way of example only and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Other embodiments are contemplated within the scope of the present invention in addition to the exemplary embodiments shown and described herein. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that a surface cleaning device and / or agitator may embody any one or more of the features contained herein, and that the features may be used in any particular combination or subcombination. Modifications and substitutions made by those skilled in the art are considered to be within the scope of the present invention and should not be limited except as by the claims.

Claims

1. 1. A wand for a vacuum cleaner, comprising: first and second wand segments defining first and second portions of an air passage; a bendable wand joint comprising first and second hinge members and a hinge configured to pivotally connect the first wand segment and the second wand segment about a pivot axis between an extended configuration and a storage configuration; a flexible tube between the first and second wand segments, the flexible tube defining a flexible air portion of the air passageway and configured to bend as the first and second hinge members pivot about the hinge; a first locking mechanism configured to lock the first and second wand segments in the expanded configuration; a second locking mechanism configured to lock the first and second wand segments in the storage configuration, the second locking mechanism comprising a plunger configured to be selectively received within a plunger recess, the plunger and plunger recess rotating relative to each other about a pivot axis.

2. The wand of claim 1 , further comprising a single actuator configured to actuate both the first locking mechanism and the second locking mechanism simultaneously.

3. The wand of claim 2 , wherein the single actuator comprises a release button.

4. A wand according to claim 3 , wherein the release button is located on an opposite side of the wand from the hinge.

5. The wand of claim 1 , wherein the first wand segment and the second wand segment are configured to fold approximately 180° in a forward direction when transitioning from the extended configuration to the storage configuration.

6. a locking arm guard extending from the first hinge member around a distal end of the locking arm; 2. The wand of claim 1, further comprising a locking arm sidewall extending outwardly from the second hinge member and at least partially around the locking recess, the locking arm sidewall configured to receive at least a portion of the locking arm guard.

7. 1. A wand for a vacuum cleaner, comprising: first and second wand segments defining first and second portions of an air passage; a bendable wand interface comprising a first hinge member, a second hinge member, and a hinge configured to pivotally connect the first wand segment and the second wand segment in at least a first configuration and a second configuration; a flexible tube connected between the first wand segment and the second wand segment; a first locking mechanism for locking the first and second wand segments in the first configuration; a second locking mechanism configured to lock the first and second wand segments in the second configuration, the second locking mechanism comprising a plunger and a plunger recess, the plunger configured to be at least partially received within the plunger recess when the wand is disposed in the second configuration; a single actuator for unlocking the first and second wand segments in both the first and second configurations; A wand, wherein when the wand is disposed in the second configuration, depressing the single actuator moves the plunger out of engagement with the plunger recess.

8. The wand of claim 7 , wherein the first configuration is an extended position and the second configuration is a storage position.

9. The wand of claim 7 , wherein the first configuration is an extended position and the second configuration is an intermediate position.

10. The wand of claim 7 , wherein the single actuator is positioned on the opposite side of the wand from the hinge.

11. The wand of claim 10 , wherein the single actuator comprises a release button.

12. The wand of claim 8 , wherein the first wand segment and the second wand segment are configured to fold approximately 180° in a forward direction when transitioning from the first configuration to the second configuration.

13. 1. A wand for a vacuum cleaner, comprising: a first wand segment including a first hinge member configured to rotate relative to a second wand segment including a second hinge member about a pivot axis; a flexible tube connected between the first and second wand segments; a first locking portion configured to lock the first and second wand segments in a first configuration; a second locking portion configured to lock the first and second wand segments in a second configuration, the second locking portion comprising a plunger and a plunger recess, the plunger configured to be at least partially received within the plunger recess when the wand is disposed in the second configuration; and an actuator configured to unlock both the first and second catches, depressing the one actuator when the wand is disposed in the second configuration to move the plunger out of the plunger recess; A wand, wherein the plunger and the plunger recess rotate relative to one another about a pivot axis.

14. The wand of claim 13, wherein the first configuration is an extended position and the second configuration is a storage position.

15. The wand of claim 13, wherein the first configuration is an extended position and the second configuration is an intermediate position.

16. 14. The wand of claim 13, further comprising a hinge configured to pivotally connect the first wand segment and the second wand segment in the first configuration and the second configuration, the hinge further configured to pivotally connect the first wand segment and the second wand segment together in a third configuration, the first configuration comprising an extended position, the second configuration comprising a storage position, and the third configuration comprising an intermediate position.

17. 17. The wand of claim 16, wherein the first wand segment and the second wand segment are configured to fold approximately 180 degrees in a forward direction when transitioning from the first configuration to the second configuration.

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